Greene County Medical Center Highlights Live-Saving Benefits of Calcium Scoring Test

JEFFERSON, Iowa – Greene County Medical Center is putting heart health in the spotlight with calcium scoring tests. These non-invasive scans can detect early signs of heart disease, long before symptoms arise. According to Imaging Director, Heather Booth, this powerful diagnostic tool is playing a key role in preventing heart attacks and saving lives.

"Calcium scoring is one of the most effective screening tools we have to assess a patient’s risk for coronary artery disease," Booth explained. "It's quick, painless and provides critical information that can guide providers in managing heart health proactively."

A calcium scoring test uses a specialized CT scan to measure the amount of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. The resulting score helps determine a patient’s risk for heart attack or other cardiac events. “The higher the score, the greater the risk,” Booth said. “But even a low score can be a wake-up call to adopt healthier habits.”

Booth emphasized that the test is particularly valuable for individuals between the ages of 40 and 70 who have risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking history or a family history of heart disease, even if they’re not experiencing symptoms.

The scan typically takes less than 15 minutes, and no needles, dyes or fasting are required. "People are often surprised by how easy it is," Booth noted. "But what’s more important is how powerful the information can be. It can motivate patients to make changes or prompt providers to prescribe medication or further testing."

Greene County Medical Center offers the calcium scoring test for a low out-of-pocket cost of only $89, making it accessible to nearly everyone. Booth said the medical center has made it a priority to educate the community about its availability and benefits. “This is truly about prevention,” she stressed. “When we can catch signs of disease early, we have the best chance at improving and saving lives.”

Patients interested in learning more or scheduling a calcium scoring test are encouraged to contact the medical center’s Imaging department directly at 386-0443.